"You are the one who has taken the chief's wife prisoner."
"You ken good and well Anna Douglas is here of her own free will, taking refuge from an abusive murderer."
"You mean Lady MacCromar? I'm certain Chief MacCromar will want her back. What do you think? He has been searching for his missing wife for a long while now."
"And you told him exactly where she is."
"'Twas my civic duty to help."
"I knew you'd sent a missive to him."
She shrugged. "You'll get what you deserve, cousin."
Neacal shook his head, unable to believe she was a blood relation to him. She was far more like Sleat than any of the other MacDonalds. She was not at all like her mother, his father's sister.
Mistress Gilbert entered the room, carrying a cloth bundle, then she dropped it onto the table, metal blades clanging. Neacal drew the parcel open and found three more daggers inside. He frowned at his cousin. "Planning to go to war?"
She merely glared in response.
"Who did you steal these from?"
"I didn't steal them. I borrowed them."
"Ah. Until you're done killing people? Then you'll return them?"
"I was but protecting myself."
"Uh-huh. Well, then, you'll feel safe locked in your chamber until the conflict is resolved."
"Nay! I will not be locked in my room."
"Indeed you will." He looked to Matthew. "See that she's locked in and unable to escape. Dugan, you guard her today. I'll find someone else to take over the night shift."
They agreed and helped her from the chair to escort her to her chamber.
After Neacal left the room, he met Hugh in the corridor. "Where are they taking Constance?"
"To her room. She was lurking about outside my chamber during the night and carrying weapons. I don't trust her. She's had it in for me since I was forced to kill the guard, Farquar, she claimed to love. She's being locked in her room until further notice."
Hugh laughed. "That is ridiculous."
"Is it?" Neacal demanded, sudden fury scorching over him. "You underestimate her as everyone else does. The lass is a menace and she would like naught more than to see me dead."
"I think you're overreacting but… you're the chief."
"Exactly."
"What is this we've heard about some clan we don't know attacking us?" Hugh asked.
"You can thank Constance for that, too. She sent a missive to the vile and villainous Chief MacCromar, telling him that Anna Douglas is here."
"Why is he interested in her?"
"He claims to be wed to her."
Hugh's white-bearded chin dropped. "Wed? We cannot keep her here! If she's the chief's wife, she must go back to him. That is adultery, lad."
"Nay, 'tis not, for the marriage will be proven illegal. Anna was forced into it." Neacal went on to explain the entire situation, then said, "Blackburn will beat and abuse her—perhaps even kill her—if she's returned to him. Do you wish her blood upon your hands?"
